Bangladesh Under Persistent Strain: Political Turbulence and the Hard Reality of Diplomacy in 2025

By Tanvir Rusmat, Dhaka | Dec 31, 2025

Bangladesh entered 2025 facing one of the most difficult political periods in its recent history, a crisis that has gone beyond domestic unrest and begun to affect the country’s international standing. The turmoil began with the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, which forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power and led to a constitutional breakdown. An interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was later installed to guide the country toward elections.

As 2025 unfolded, Bangladesh was increasingly viewed by Western governments not as a country moving forward after elections, but as one stuck in political transition. Officials from the United States and several European countries repeatedly stressed the importance of civil liberties, political inclusion, and credible elections. As a result, Dhaka found itself under closer scrutiny, with diplomatic engagement becoming more conditional.

Concerns were not limited to politics. Between February and April, international financial institutions warned that political instability could weaken investor confidence and slow reforms. In June, the International Monetary Fund approved the release of about $884 million under existing loan programmes, but stressed that continued reforms were essential amid ongoing uncertainty.

The European Union also linked governance issues to cooperation. In March, EU officials in Dhaka highlighted political credibility as a key factor for sustained economic and humanitarian support, including aid for Rohingya refugees. While humanitarian funding continued, European officials underlined the need for stability.

Relations with India worsened significantly during the year. According to analysts, ties fell to their lowest point since Sheikh Hasina’s removal. New Delhi’s initial hesitation to engage the interim government, combined with critical media coverage, deepened mistrust. Diplomatic exchanges became tense, with both sides issuing warnings as elections approached.

Political tensions intensified in May when the interim government banned activities of the Awami League under national security laws. The move drew sharp criticism and deepened polarization. Public anger grew later that month after controversial ordinances allowed the dismissal of public employees without due process, triggering strikes by teachers and civil servants.

Violence escalated further in mid-July. Clashes between security forces and opposition activists in Gopalganj during a rally left several people dead and many arrested, raising fears of wider unrest ahead of elections.

December marked another turning point. The killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi sparked nationwide protests and a wave of attacks on media offices and cultural institutions. Press groups accused authorities of failing to protect journalists and free expression. International observers also noted an increase in mob attacks on major newspapers, alarming rights organisations.

The unrest spilled across borders. Protests in India’s Tripura and demonstrations outside Bangladesh’s mission in Kolkata reflected growing regional concern. Minority rights groups inside Bangladesh accused the government of failing to protect vulnerable communities, claims the authorities denied.

As Bangladesh moves toward its next election, its foreign policy remains focused less on ambition and more on damage control. Restoring political stability, rebuilding international confidence, and ensuring a credible electoral process remain the interim government’s most urgent challenges.